First piping plover nest of season found at Gordon’s Pond

DNREC announced Saturday they have found the first piping plover nest of the season at Cape Henlopen State Park’s Gordons Pond this weekend.  In order to protect the baby chicks, the beaches between a half-mile stretch  between the Observation Towers and the Herring Point dune crossover will be closed effective Monday, June 13th.

Officials say closing the beach off is a normal procedure at this time of year when the plover’s are spotted.  The beaches will remain closed until the last of the chicks are hatched according to officials, which they expect to be in late August.

The storms that plagued the beaches over the winter, have a silver lining.  Officials say the plover’s were able to explore more of their nesting habitat due to the storms digging up new grounds.  Researchers hope this will not only benefit the piping plover’s this year, but for years to come.